Epilogue -18: The Call to Follow
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | January 4 2025 | John 21:15-25
KEY VERSE:
And after saying this, He said to him "Follow me." John 21:19 (b) ESV
MESSAGE: The Epilogue Series paused at number 17 to make way for the ADVENT Series. Now, we conclude with two final reflections.
Peter’s journey with Jesus reveals both his passion and frailty. In Luke 5:10, Peter was called to catch men instead of fish. In Matthew 16:13-20, he was identified as a key figure in the Kingdom business of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet his confidence often wavered. He declared his willingness to die for Christ (John 13:36-37) and professed unwavering loyalty (Mark 14:29), but courtyard denials in Luke 22:54-62, Matthew 26:69-72, Mark 14:66-72 revealed his human frailty.
In this passage, the Lord's encounter with Peter was to ascertain whether Peter would stand firm in his calling and love. As Jesus shows, love entails responsibility. By asking Peter to affirm his love three times, Jesus challenged him to embrace the weight of his mission. Following Jesus, as Peter learned, is a lifelong journey that requires surrender, obedience and faith.
As we journey through 2025 and beyond, following the Lord Jesus must define our lives and ministries. In John 10:4, we are told He leads, and we follow. Remember, as the Good Shepherd, He goes to every extent for His sheep and never abandons them. Up in heaven, we can trust Christ's Spirit, ensuring we don't take wrong steps even as we fulfil our assigned responsibilities (Acts 16:6 & 7). Peter's following made a tremendous impact; think of the Acts of the Apostles chapters 1-12 and the Epistles bearing his name.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The loving God does not gloss over our sins and blunders. Confronting us about them is redemptive and turns us into instruments for His glory. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, it's early days in 2025. Please search and work in me so that I may bring glory to Your name through my words and deeds. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 4: Genesis 6-7 — The Corruption of the Earth and Noah’s Ark
DAILY word study: FOLLOW ME 'Follow Me,' from the Greek phrase Ἀκολούθει (Akolouthei moi), is rich in meaning. It conveys the act of accompanying, aligning with, and actively pursuing someone. It’s not a casual stroll but a deliberate commitment to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
In John 21:19, these words carried the weight of restoration and mission. Jesus invited Peter to follow despite his past failures, commissioning him anew to live in grace and serve with purpose. Theologically, 'Follow Me' embodies trust, sacrifice, and the privilege of discipleship. It is a call to align our lives completely with Christ’s mission and example.
Reflection: So today, where is Jesus calling you to follow Him? Are there areas where trust and surrender are needed? Take a moment to consider how you can walk faithfully in His footsteps.
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